suitable decorations

[Dark Phoenix]

I'm wondering if there is a site anywhere that lists what can be safely put
into an aquarium (neutral or somewhat to the base side water, freshwater)?

This new 50 just looks so barren, and I can't afford all those beautiful
things from the fish store. (I NEED some Grecian columns with a dragon
draped over them!) I'm thinking about plonking some rocks in just to releive
the flat, midwest sort of feel. I assume I'd avoid any soft, porous rocks?
Are any metal objects safely nonreactive? Is any wood safe?

Thanks much,

--
Laurie, Dark Phoenix

Here I am! Now, what were your other two wishes?

[K. Sher]

The usual aquarium decorations (like the castles and things) are made of a
poly resin, which is the same stony white base material as the same type of
decorations found in dollar stores. I don't know is if the paint is safe,
depending on which company made the decoration. I know that most factories
use a non-toxic paint, soluble in thinner. I am guessing all resin decor
sold in the USA is made with non-toxic paint. The Hagen brand decorations
that I have are definately made of poly resin, painted black and then with
the various other colors. The paint chips off on those easily, but they are
aquarium safe. If you have a small spare tank, you could buy a few cheap
decorations of the same type and test it on a feeder fish. Just don't buy
any with the new "fuzzy" paint, or metallic glitter.

PVC pipes from hardware stores are safe. People sometimes cut plastic flower
pots or clay ones, so I think they are safe as well. Don't use rocks that
will raise the pH. Don't use seashells or coral. Wood might leech out
harmful chemicals if it has been treated. I've used big pieces of marble and
granite that I got from home improvement stores as samples and so far they
haven't killed my fish. :D

"Dark Phoenix" > wrote in message
...
> I'm wondering if there is a site anywhere that lists what can be safely
put
> into an aquarium (neutral or somewhat to the base side water, freshwater)?
>
> This new 50 just looks so barren, and I can't afford all those beautiful
> things from the fish store. (I NEED some Grecian columns with a dragon
> draped over them!) I'm thinking about plonking some rocks in just to
releive
> the flat, midwest sort of feel. I assume I'd avoid any soft, porous rocks?
> Are any metal objects safely nonreactive? Is any wood safe?
>
> Thanks much,
>
> --
> Laurie, Dark Phoenix
>
> Here I am! Now, what were your other two wishes?
>
>
>